Can I keep chickens in Ann Arbor, MI?
Yes — Ann Arbor allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 107, §9:42 (Ordinance 08-19), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($55) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Up to 6 hens allowed. Enclosure must be 10 feet from property lines, 40 feet from residential structures on adjacent property (waivable). Coops must prevent rodent harboring. Slaughter prohibited. |
| Code section | Chapter 107, §9:42 (Ordinance 08-19) |
Ann Arbor permits up to 6 hens with a 5-year permit costing $55. Permit requires 10-foot setback from property lines and 40-foot setback from neighbors' homes (waivable with consent). Roosters and slaughter prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Ann Arbor?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Ann Arbor (Chapter 107, §9:42 (Ordinance 08-19)).
How many chickens can I keep in Ann Arbor?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ann Arbor?
Yes — Ann Arbor requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $55).
Are roosters allowed in Ann Arbor?
No — roosters are prohibited in Ann Arbor.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Ann Arbor?
10 feet minimum. Up to 6 hens allowed. Enclosure must be 10 feet from property lines, 40 feet from residential structures on adjacent property (waivable). Coops must prevent rodent harboring. Slaughter prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Ann Arbor?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Ann Arbor's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Ann Arbor?
Chapter 107, §9:42 (Ordinance 08-19). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 107, §9:42 (Ordinance 08-19) — read the official code
“Application to keep up to 6 chickens. 5-year permit from date of issuance.” source
“$55 Fee Required” source
“A covered enclosure or fenced enclosure shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet from a property line of an adjacent property nor shall it be located closer than forty (40) feet to any residential structure on an adjacent property” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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